Light, stiff, and old school: our take on the new 600-gram Specialized Aethos

[@ayowser01]

Specialized is done marketing to dentists, lawyers and doctors with the sl7. The Aethos is marketed towards investment bankers.

[@rlsedition]

You're missing the larger story here - light bikes without a penalty in frame stiffness.

[@mudonsunday]

@@rlsedition my 2103 super six Evo hi mod is super light and ridiculously stiff. 6.8 in a 58 with mtb pedals.

[@joeenglert]

haha more money than brains

[@harryc2388]

Tbf the non s works version (comp axs I think) is like 4.5k and is still an insane bike. Not too bad for the price with axs

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

@@rlsedition Seemed like spot on point to me.

[@misterzero84]

Literally every high end bike build is $12,000 besides Canyon so thanks everyone for the original comments about it's high price, you made such a thoughtful contribution. Do you come for every specialized launch fingers crossed that this time Sworks will be affordable for you. You knew you couldn't afford the bike, but you came to the video anyways just to complain about the price tag like it's something novel.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

Yup, I definitely get a kick out of doing just that.

[@mocha-6957]

Price is high, suck it

[@Nicoya]

So basically what happened is that Specialized alienated potential Venge buyers and poisoned that brand name by coming out with the (ugly and) excessively integrated Venge Vias, so they made a new, more normal Venge and called it the Tarmac, and now made a new Tarmac and called it the Aethos. Put this frame next to the SL5 Tarmac and you'll be like "Oh yes, this is clearly the new version of that bike". So welcome back, Tarmac. We've missed you.

[@mattkrivosudsky9057]

nailed it!

[@CarbonRider1]

yep

[@404nobrakes]

You ignored the existence of the 2019 Venge. That bike was exactly as proprietary and excessively integrated as the Tarmac is now.

[@Nicoya]

@@404nobrakes The 2019 was less ugly than the Venge Vias by far, but by the time they released that the damage had already been done. Customers were like "oh a Venge? No, I'd like a normal bike please" even though the Venge had returned to being a basically normal bike again.

[@DaveCM]

Yep! That sums it up nicely

[@BoxCarBoy12]

I will always enjoy riding lightweight, non aero bikes because their ride quality is always better, they look better, and I enjoy the feel of a lightweight bike. I know that aero bikes are significantly faster in most scenarios, but I don't race anymore so I don't care about the relatively insignificant handful of seconds that they would save me.

[@DaveCM]

This is the first fully honest review I've seen so far on this bike. Everyone else just regurgitated the marketing bs without really adding any actual opinion.

[@VeloVeloVeloTV]

That's us! Subscribe, tell your mates ;)

[@londonlionel]

Finally, a review that tells us what this bike is actually like to ride. This is the best review I've seen on the Aethos.

[@sylvainmichaud2262]

"People buy things they don't need, at prices they can't afford, to impress people they don't like" George Carlin

[@rkop737]

Good one! I have to remember that one!

[@johntharp22]

I hated the new design philosophy of modern aero road bikes so much that I started building my own frames in a way more traditional manner. I'm thrilled to see people coming to their senses. A return to round tubing, more normal cable routing, and a threaded bottom bracket will be welcome by a lot of riders, I bet. The price, though? Not so much.

[@robertpiche4372]

I have a Giant TCR, before i have a TARMAC and now i have aethos pro and it's stiffer, confortable and more balance, i love this bike now I ENJOY the ride ...

[@marcustan5868]

May I know which giant tcr did u have? The tcr advanced sl 2021?

[@stealth1fighter]

Great review! I have either owned and or ridden every high-end bike Specialized has ever made and now I own an Aethos hands-down the most amazing bike Specialized has ever made

[@LincBJJ]

Oh cool, Spesh made a pre-2021 TCR. Slap an S on the front and add $5k. Winning.

[@scotth3354]

“Quite novel”??? Hell, it’s basically an Emonda SLR disc before Trek screwed it up by going aero-ish.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Agreed. "re-shaping the modern road bike", yeah, not really. You nailed it, it's sorta reviving the past but with modern touches. It's very cool actually.

[@adamcooper988]

Tyres with tubes, tick. No integrate cables in bar and stem, tick. It’s like they been listening to Nerd Alert!

[@ronitdebnath]

Get a TCR Advanced SL Rim. As light as Aethos and as fast as SL7

[@amaurytovar7108]

I recently bought one of this, a second hand sworks Sram version from a friend. It’s not a bad bike but doesn’t transmit emotion, it’s comfortable, I felt it like a commuting / chilling bike compared with my Tarmac Sworks SL4.

[@swanauto47]

I’m excited for them to bring back the rim brake and reshape everything again

[@beecoal]

Unless there are some diamonds hidden in the frame, I don’t see how this is worth the sticker price...

[@David-vb8tg]

Then don't buy one. That's the beauty of a free market.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

@@David-vb8tg He didn't say he wanted to buy one, he merely pointed out he doesn't see how it is worth the asking price. I tend to agree with him. And I'm not even in the market for a new bike because I just bought a custom made titanium frame from a US builder that was less money than this bike if you look at the S-Works model.

[@David-vb8tg]

@@wasupwitdat1mofiki94 Then don't buy one. But I can tell you this. There are plenty who can afford it.

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

@@David-vb8tg kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPWp4d-nKd4g9U

[@David-vb8tg]

@@wasupwitdat1mofiki94 People denounce what they want but are to weak to fight for, while praising what they don't want but can get. Give, On the Genealogy of Morality a read.

[@lemonshire1]

I would describe the Aethos as "charming", it's a nice change in the modern road bike scene. That paint job is also beautiful and visually interesting, combined with the minimal branding.

[@craigpavia2169]

Weight savings, simple swapping of components seems like the right thing to do. Modern Vitus 9-series perhaps? Love how you add a bell and trendy handlebar bag to ruin the moment :)

[@craigpavia2169]

Love your work James with or without bags/bells! All in good “cycling fun” as we say on 9W! Keep up the great work and get Shoddy in one of these machines for a ride/review. #donttextanddrive #useablinker

[@DrunkieCat]

Specialized tries to market the old trend. Again... it cost more than 10k. I'm speechless with these companies coming up with 10k bikes. No thanks, i'll take giant tcr whenever I had the money.

[@quintinbressler8400]

yea, you can buy the SL3 used for a nice price...have the old school look and easy to work on. 10k+ is ridiculous

[@lesflynn4455]

This is like the Porsche 911R of the cycling market. This is the best video about this new/old bike I've seen so far. Good job guys.

[@Aditya-fv9xv]

Just buy a bike from 2016 for a 3rd of the price.

[@chrishogg9235]

just got one of these and it's just a pleasure to ride, everything he said basically!

[@WatchMeEDC]

So Specialized saw the Canyon CF Ultimate Evo and new Ultimate CFR and thought... break out the 2015 Tarmac designs we gotta do something quick

[@robin29991]

Yes and the Canyons are much cheaper and just as light. This bike is really nothing novel to me.

[@oliver-leung]

“Just dropship a Yeoleo and see if they'll notice.” - Specialized VP Product

[@ChinaCycling]

😂

[@robertnoltefavorite]

Supersix EVO gen2?!

[@neilwheel]

Nice, sensible, no-nonsense road bike. Yes please!

[@mikespadafora9077]

I am not sure if $12,500.00 is sensible

[@neilwheel]

@@mikespadafora9077 only for the most expensive, extravagant build. Buy as a frames and spec according to budget.

[@oreocarlton3343]

this bikes is hype materialized, its total nonsense

[@hongquan2574]

Going to pull down my 2016 Supersix Evo HiMod from the rafters. What's 'old' is new again. #SaveTheRimBrakes

[@Rshorttt]

I never hung up of replaced my Evo because I felt nothing would ride better.

[@hongquan2574]

I have better riding bikes, but the Evo is still the lightest bike in my stable.

[@andrewchow6357]

Specialized needs to release a alloy version of the aethos using their Smartweld technology. It would be similar to treks version on the Emonda (emonda alr). I reckon it would be a hit and would definitely be affordable for general public.

[@justinfo-jepy355]

i actually see this as like the emonda ALR.. mine is the alr4. look very the same

[@bluemystic7501]

It's kinda of an interesting offering. Performance-ish oriented along with lots of comfort. I like lightweight go-anywhere bikes. Not for $12k though.

[@harrylea5805]

"lightweight" with discs. good one

[@dioright]

Yeah, i prefer disc, but don't understand why they put them on this bike...

[@erich8258]

@书中自有黄金屋 A lot of noobs in the World Tour peloton prefer disc, but I'm sure you know better.

[@erich8258]

@书中自有黄金屋 No, I ride rim brakes on my road bike, but your comment was so obnoxious that I couldn't leave it alone.

[@mikesingleton5621]

@书中自有黄金屋 Simple, after you've reached the top you need to come back down again :-)

[@TheCyclingCardio]

Giant TCR, Chapter 2 Huru...done..no gap in the market..just gap in the highly marketed overpriced brands

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Just buy a disc brake TCR lol

[@szybkilopez566]

Cheaper, stiffer still, better built, BB doesn't creak, so there is no need for going back to ancient threaded BBs LOL... The list goes on, and on...

[@chauccy]

Everyone: gone fully integrated stem and all internal cable routing and stuff Giant: Nah it makes no sense to do that on the new TCR Specialized: revert back to traditional stem and bar *WE ARE THE FUTURE OF ROAD CYCLING*

[@Mrich775]

Loving my new tcr disc!

[@paulwixman8151]

It will be interesting to see how the Specialized Pro Tour sponsored riders take to this model...If at all. Also, nice to see a new model that is more mechanically approachable to the masses..Top job on the review. PJW

[@andreasl5707]

Not UCI legal...

[@paulwixman8151]

As a licensed race mech I am aware of this. The frame could be used like many other lighter framesets with some form of ballast to satisfy the UCI gods PJW

[@frankmoore993]

Great Review: You described how it DESCENDS a mountain. Well done. I note the chain stays are 210mm. Specialised ought to push that figure out to 240-250 and they'd really hit the mark!

[@ferrisbueller1347]

I like it. No proprietary crap. Any home mechanic can work on it. As an amatuer you dont need aero, you will still ride fast. Looks cool. Overpriced. What about a rim brake option?

[@oreocarlton3343]

Megalized is racist towards rim brakes, dentists dont like rim brakes as well.

[@rlsedition]

What is it with you roadies and rim brakes? That technology was old decades ago and just isn't as capable as hydraulic discs. We mountain bikers are way ahead of you on this issue.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@rlsedition you must be the worlds most simple mind

[@rlsedition]

@@oreocarlton3343 Anyone who really thinks rim brakes are "better" than hydraulic discs is denying engineering reality. The simpleton is you.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@rlsedition no you simp, you simpleton. Noone said discs dont stop faster or they are not as strong, what people are saying correctly is that discs as a system as a whole dont fit road bikes well. It should be simple enough to understand now.

[@chris_noswe]

Nice James, not one mention of the price tag.

[@jameshuang4205]

That's because there are several different versions (plus a frameset option) and we have roughly equal audience in the US, AU, UK, and EU, so reporting all of those in spoken form would be a bit cumbersome. All of the detailed prices (in all of those currencies) are in the written article on CyclingTips.

[@kirkbeatty6845]

First off, I am a huge fan of Specialized, I’ve owned 2 & look fwd to my next purchase. They are well designed, well built, great performing bikes. What this looks like to me is the “hype machine” that Specialized has been spooling up for several yrs now, has red-lined & stalled out. What else can they do? Oh hey, why not just spruce up some of their older models, focus less on Aero, and start their “hype machine” over. I have an aero focused bike & love it, aero is definitely a thing, but my 2011 S-Works Tarmac SL3 still kicks arse, I love that bike!

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

Nothing you said makes any sense to me.

[@geoffgoldplum1231]

Compliant (floppy) and light (draggy) perfect

[@andipiper9289]

Everything you said I like ! I want one now !!! 😉

[@wseto09]

Most average public will not notice an increase of speed at all on an aero bike that can also be slightly heavy.

[@brysonszy6306]

Most average public will not spend £12000 for a casual non-race non-aero lightweight bike.

[@tinniswood2577]

If I were a Spesh fan who'd just bought an SL7 sworks, I would now be somewhat gutted!

[@simonkirchweger6090]

i got a short heartattack when i heard his ring snapping on the frame :O 1:24

[@MickeyBlueEyes34]

kudos to specialized for making a canyon ultimate cfr that’s even less aero but way more expensive

[@andycorso8498]

When you compared it to the SL7 did you also have a bar bag on it?....... I’m just stirring the pot...... probably make weight weenies jump for joy.....for me the greatest innovation is that there is no Branding apart from the mark of Zorro on the headtube.

[@alb.1911]

It's ok, but I will wait for the rim brake version... 😜

[@myronwong7463]

but probably will have to wait 5 years, when specialized will reintroduce rim brake with a price tag of 20000😂

[@bpkidder]

Did anyone else cringe when the mic picks up his wedding ring hitting the frame?

[@DahronJohnson]

James, just before you talked about how the bike was really a bit of a throwback, I was thinking the same--but even more basic: a 2003 TCR seems remarkably similar. Sloping top tube, essentially round tube bike, trad BB, 27.2, clamp binder, etc. With the changed demands of disc brakes and evermore engineering refinement, Im sure there's weight drop and ride improvement. But low weight and rideabiluty seemed like the TCRs focus (foci?) too. I'd be interested what the bare frame weight comparison would be, or even a back to back ride quality comparison--what has 17/18 years got us-from the early 00s to this most recent iteration?

[@rkop737]

I am thinking of buying the Aethos Expert and put some nice Zipp 303 on but I am not entirely sure yet. Current bike is a Tarmac SL5 which is still doing its job.

[@richcole3931]

Great review. Shame this bike doesn't come with Campagnolo.

[@biggcstylez]

This seems like the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod reborn under the Specialized brand. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@htdtr]

I dont really get what the point of it is? If you want a really light bike you go rim brake, if you're racing you're still going to have to be 6.8kg and aero makes more of a difference anyway and can be pretty close to 6.8 now too.

[@apsbentom]

Where r all these guys now? I wish you did more content like the 4 bike comparison in Australia..

[@davidide1525]

James tells it like it is :)

[@davejazz58]

When the new Bianchi Specialissima Disc comes out, I’d love to hear what you have say about that in comparison to this Specialized.

[@mryizhao]

A 2013 bike, better brakes, at 2020 prices.

[@willshaughnessy8515]

Shoddy we miss ya

[@rickjesse3763]

S-works frameset: $5200.00 USD

[@mattkrivosudsky9057]

It would be lighter with rim brakes if that's what they're after. Less carbon as well, as fork will not need to be as stiff.

[@RyonBeachner]

Yeah, but then they’d have to beef up the seat stays.

[@RyonBeachner]

M M So tell me then where would they be mounting the rear caliper with no seat stay bridge?

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@RyonBeachner rediculous, as if you dont have to built up the seatstays and chainstays when designing for discs. Rim brakes require way less stay stiffness since they are further from the axle and symetrical.

[@RyonBeachner]

Oreo Carlton I had an entire comment ready explaining the physics of bracing the rim vs disc calipers based on location and how the loads are fundamentally different. Then I deleted it because this is a waste of a time, and there’s nothing to be gained. Happy riding.

[@oreocarlton3343]

@@RyonBeachner the loads of braking are fundamentally different. Discs always put more load than rim so in no possible case can a disc frame be lighter to a comparable rim frame.

[@targetpace2680]

The competitive cyclists want aero optimized bikes and the casual/explorer bunch want gravel bikes with versatile wheel setups. Who’s this bike intended for and how many of those can afford the limited build options?

[@andycorso8498]

Target Pace Grand Fondo riders, club cyclists, weight weenies...... there’s many a sub group outside media and marketing defined groups

[@justinfo-jepy355]

Thanks to Aethos. old bikes looks new again. :) just like iphoneSE made my iphone7 new again lol

[@wseto09]

Seen another video and didn't figure in the cost for a complete build. Mind you that in everything is relative to each individual person. This could be cheaper than a custom non aero lightweight carbon weenie bike! that cost even more! Still. German light weight carbon disk brake wheels could kill the already costly bike and make it even lighter!

[@caledfwlch]

Wait so what is the point of this bike? Didn’t the Big S say that the SL7 was THE lightweight aero bike? What niche does this bike fill?

[@mudonsunday]

“Reshape the future of modern road bikes”?????? All you have to do is go back to 2013. What a joke.

[@keithknipling]

Great review as always, James. Curious what model handlebar bag you had on it. Cheers.

[@jameshuang4205]

cyclingtips-store.com/products/cyclingtips-2-5l-handlebar-roll Looks like it's out of stock, though :(

[@mudonsunday]

2013 super six hi mod. Lighter!

[@Kanonka28]

This is original Merida !

[@global_nomad.]

going backwards to progress forward..

[@galenkehler]

At least the simple tube shapes should be easy to manufacture so hopefully less voids

[@carsongeorge32]

you can buy a Stumpjumper evo for the price of the frameset

[@willieporkchop508]

I like a smooth ride

[@paulrichards6521]

Hey James, would be great if you could put this head to head with an old school lightweight great like the SuperSix Evo Hi-Mod. Would be great to get a sense of the difference when they are ridden back to back (with equally wide tires).

[@nationsnumber1chump]

Kansas is the one place aero gains actually really matters.

[@josequilez5449]

"Indoor track riders would like to have a chat"

[@randolfrothfuss8012]

Very nice video thanks a lot! But for me the Tarmac SL7 is the best looking roadbike Specialized has ever made! The Venge looked to much aero and the Tarmac SL6 to less. It is a special form which makes Specialized the best looking bikes in the market. The Aethos falls not in this category, I think it does not looking good!

[@smachsimo]

Well that handlebar bag sure didn’t help with hitting high descent speed 😂

[@tommyhogan1306]

Needs rim brake option or else its a no go from me, but otherwise looks good.

[@LatteJazzpiano]

Nice review

[@edwarding4355]

Back to old-scholl. No. I think they have applied a lot of what they learned about carbon lay-up to get it structured for the ride quality everyone is raving about. I wonder if it beats my titanium ride.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

Your definition of "old school" is very different from mine.....

[@MrRemota]

Great, but, just do not hit it never, do not fall and be careful with the wrench to not squeeze it.

[@darrenbarlow5759]

Speaking of the Tarmac comfort vs this. Would 30mm tires on a Tarmac be as comfortable as this?

[@philippang07]

Back to basics at an obscene price.

[@yilmanbabilonia]

12k Nope. Nice review though.

[@alecfotsch3533]

So the feature beyond being a good bike is it's significantly more expensive? Why would one buy it other than to shred signal?

[@kf168]

so many tcr comparison. must be good bike.

[@lordkambing810]

LoL 10yr old frame design with disc brakes=iNnOvAtiON, looks like an OEM chinese frame but at $12k

[@overland_adventure_nz]

Yes at last

[@ianbrooks3569]

Love it. It’s a SL4/5 made lighter by introducing modern carbon manufacturing techniques. I feel Specialized is lost as a business. Stop messing around with aero. I want a light, robust bike that’s comfortable. Oh yeah, rim brakes would be good.

[@timtaylor9590]

the brakes weigh more than the frame, makes sense when you dont need that much stopping power

[@yassul7907]

Is it significantly slower than Tarmac SL7 or venge?

[@galenkehler]

I dont honestly understand that price. Other than its new therefore must be priced more than anything else?

[@emilbaligod1935]

Looks like a Giant TCR

[@mrbluejohn9]

Anyone notice that he dinged the frame with his ring at 1:25...

[@smachsimo]

It feels like most of the weight savings came from (lack) of paint.

[@rlsedition]

"Feels like"?

[@user-ys6hl1uy1t]

My 15 year old look kx light with mercury tubs weighs 14 lbs. William's brothers dont care if it weighs 12lbs or 22lbs, genetics!

[@markadams7328]

What about the 'SRAM version'?

[@wseto09]

Finally a light weight endurance bike upgrade. Aero isn't exactly everything. When the road goes up into a hill. Where's the aero gain in that? Most roads lead upwards. Plus only in my opinion. Most general people / public cannot make a benefit gain in an aero bike. Aero bikes are really for the true dedicated wanna be or close to racers that can truly bring out the aero gain in an aero bike. Your non weight body geometry weight weenies. A waste of good money if you have the money but definitely not the physic and stamina of a road racer.

[@stevewebber4980]

If we all stop buying these ridiculously priced bikes manufacturers would have to lower their profit margins and sell at more realistic prices. No way is this bike worth 12k.

[@ebigarella]

I have a family: I can't afford it I'm also an engineer: even if I could afford it, since I have a family I wouldn't put my life on a light bike designed by specialized